This Machine
The Dandy Warhols · 2012
43 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of alternative rock's grit and pop's accessibility, marked by vintage synths and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sad Vacation — The opening track sets a reflective tone with lush instrumentation that contrasts themes of melancholy and nostalgia, establishing the album's emotional landscape.
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Enjoy Yourself — With its upbeat rhythm and catchy hooks, this track encapsulates the album's more playful side while exploring deeper themes of self-acceptance.
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SETI vs. The Wow! Signal — This song merges philosophical musings with infectious melodies, symbolizing the band's knack for blending thought-provoking lyrics with accessible soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This Machine blends retro and modern sounds but lacks strong cohesion and memorable hooks.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, reflective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate vintage synths prominently, creating a retro sound that contrasts with the modern rock elements.
- The album's lyrics often explore introspective themes, with a focus on personal experiences and societal observations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- catchy melodies for daily listening
- introspective vibes for quiet evenings
- consistent flow for focused work
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid catalog entry that showcases their evolving sound without being a standout.
- Career context
- Released on April 24, 2012, This Machine is The Dandy Warhols' seventh studio album, following the more experimental and darker work of Odditorium or Warlords of Mars from 2006. By this time, they had established a distinctive sound that combined melody with an edgy aesthetic, reflecting both their longevity and artistic evolution in the alternative rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre· Tame Impala· Spiritualized
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sad Vacation 4:28
- 2 The Autumn Carnival 4:00
- 3 Enjoy Yourself 3:01
- 4 Alternative Power to the People 2:47
- 5 Well They’re Gone 4:15
- 6 Rest Your Head 4:14
- 7 16 Tons 2:08
- 8 I Am Free 4:07
- 9 SETI vs. The Wow! Signal 3:18
- 10 Don’t Shoot She Cried 5:53
- 11 Slide 5:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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